BMPIL Writing Challenge - My Current Skincare Products

BMPIL Writing Challenge - My Current Skincare Products

Jul 11, 2025

Today's a Sunday and I don't feel like sleeping after Subuh. However, I don't really feel like doing anything as well. I feel like eating pancakes though. I made a batch of pancakes the other day and just keeps it in the refrigerator so I can simply reheat it whenever I feel like eating pancakes. Sometimes you just want pancakes you know.

Afterward, I feel sleepy again. It was almost 8am something so I thought I've been awake enough this early in the morning and went back to sleep. Woke up again at 11ish and just don't feel like I need to do anything so like pejam celik pejam celik and decides to properly wake up when it's 11.30am. I don't like waking up late. It makes me feel bad and even groggier but there are days when I did this and feel refresh. I guess it's a good reset to sleep on that long. I still don't know what to do and then I remembered my leftover tom yam yesterday and some dishes I left because I was too lazy yesterday so I did those. Since I'm still not sure what to do, I just cooked some rice since it's almost noon anyway and finally decided to write this.

I made an actual effort last night to took some decent pictures of my skincare products. Setup a mini all-white background and use my table lamp for extra lighting. But the table lamp is running out of battery and I'm too lazy to recharge it so I didn't go into trying different angles. Should've tried the HDR mode.

I'm not the most diligent in putting on skincare but I do made a point to at least stick to basics for my skincare which means the main four step - cleanser, toner, moisturiser and sunscreen. However, since I have an acne prone skin, I do have acne spot treatment on hand as well which I only wears when I have acne or those tiny bumps. Apart from that, I also have some products for hyperpigmentation.

My main concern in my skincare is hydration and also not having any oily finishes. The trend today is more on getting those glowy looks from applying skincare products but I feels like it looks too oily me. I wanted my skincare too look like it hydrates my skin and just looks plump? So now, I somehow keeps at least two types of gel or water based moisturizer and mix them. I don't know why I did those but I did it lol. At night however, I'll mix one either gel or water based moisturizer with a heavier consistency and slightly oily moisturizer. I think I feel like cleansing my face just bares it naked and I need to take that opportunity to lock in moisturizer and since I'm not going anywhere at night, applying a heavier afterwards will in turn lock in the moisturizer. I swear I didn't make this up. There a science somewhere in there that I have learned which makes me wears it like this. Also I just love wearing moisturizer.

I have four moisturizer at the moment. I finishes my Hada Labo Moisturising Water Gel and thought to save some money and buys the good ol' Aiken Tea Tree Oil Moisturizer. It has been a while since I wore Aiken. I decided to wear Aiken because I wanted to incorporate more oil into my skin and also because I started to use their Aiken's Tea Tree Oil as spots treatment. I have benzoyl peroxide for spot treatments before this but it just don't work like at all and the bottle that I have was opened for month already so instead of buying a new benzoyl peroxide cream, I switches back to tea tree oil. The oil works like a charm since I only have like one or two papule or small pustules nowadays and it wasn't much often too. If I was having worse than that, benzoyl peroxide will work better. Though I have to tell that I don't remember Aiken's moisturiser to have such strong fragrant. Thank god it didn't cause any breakout but the smell is almost dizzying. I'm going to try Thursday Plantation once this finishes.

Since I wanted to wear two type of moisturizer, I randomly bought that Safi Perfect White Illuminating Day Cream to replace the old Safi moisturizer that I have finishes. I can't seem to remember what was it exactly but I think it was a night cream . I was curious to see the texture of this day cream and it turns out so nice. It was absorbed right away and hardly have any smells. I'm really loving the varieties in Safi products although I'm not a big fan on the gel one which was meant for acne. It was a bit oily for me. I also have Wardah Witch Hazel Purifying Moisturizing Gel. Although I only buys this at random since it was on sale and because it was a gel moisturizer. The gel texture was amazing and it got absorbed right away almost like Hada Labo Moisturising Water Gel. But I'm keeping this away for now and planning to use it daily once the Safi one's finishes. As for my heavier consistency moisturizer, I'm currently using The Ordinary Moisturising Factor + HA (not included in the picture). I think there's a quarter left and I just don't feel like buying it online again so I'm going to just use my Vaseline once this finishes.

I forgot to took photos of my cleanser and toner though. I'm using a salicylic acid cleanser from Hannan Medispa and Neutrigena Deep Clean Foeming Cleanser. I alternate between the two and usually only cleanse my face once a day since the Accutane really dries up my skin. I need to buy a new gentle cleanser but I just don't really feel like it. Right after washing my face, I spray on Hatomugi Skin Conditioner Lotion which acts as my toner. Deciding to put those lotion into a spray bottle was one of my greatest life decisions. I just sprays it and wait for it to dry which actually helps in a simple hydration of my skin before applying my moisturizer. It was a good face mist too. Unlike the regular water based mist, it really get absorbed way better and hydrates so well too. 

I have three products for hyperpigmentation which is - this brightening cream for Dr Ko, Wardah's C-Defense Vitamin C Serum and Safi Balqis OxyWhite Whitening Essence. I don't know what was in that brightening cream from Dr Ko but I always forgot to wear it anyway. It got so many rules so I simply got too lazy to wears it. I also decided to wear vitamin C serums for my skin hyperpigmentation and that's why I mistakenly bought that Safi one's. I read it as 1000 times concentration which at the time does feels like a lie seeing it was too cheap for such claim and much later on realizes it was 1000 times better instead. I can't even remember when I bought it. I just needed a new vitamin c serum as the Wardah's one is finishing and I am too lazy to go out again. The Wardah's one have this sticky finish but dries up eventually but it kinda adds up to the moisturizer so I don't really mind. The Safi ones was like a slightly thicker waterbased gel so I'm loving it as well. I don't know if these actually lighten my hyperpigmentation but I guess it will benefits me in the long run to stick to a routine. 

Regardless of the many moisturizer and hyperpigmentation products that I owned, I only have one sunscreen which is this Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Whitening Moisture Gel. Also, I meant to buy the Biore sunscreen but I only realizes it now that it was not  a Biore. But the consistency and UV protection characteristics are the same and that is the only thing that matter. No one want to have oily and white cast finishes if they ever want to stick on wearing a sunscreen.

That was all. I only remembers to apply my skincare when I'm going to work and at night. I simply forgets to wear these on my days off unless if I'm going out. But the routine really makes my skin feel better and looks healthier so I really need to work on this.

Hannan Medispa Review (Part Two)

Hannan Medispa Review (Part Two)

Jan 3, 2026

The dalgona coffee that I drank last night has made it hard for me to sleep and I keep waking up the entire night but I still feel refreshed this morning. It's already 8 am but the weather wasn't as bright as it is still raining which actually started around 1a.m. . I'm a bit dreaded to expect the pool of water on the road that will surely give me anxiety. 

Anyway. I need to write something because I need a change of pace and I thought that this is the time I finally write Part Two of my Hannan Medispa Review 

It just occurs to me that I have forgotten most of it and that I have changed my purse to a smaller one so I'm not sure where the heck is my Hannan Medispa's appointment card that wrote the last three types of treatment. There are going to be so many holes in this review so I am sorry in advance #lol.

First thing first, recap! If you've read my first review, you would realize that I have six sessions for acne and two sessions for scars/pigmentations. But since the acne healed well by the fifth session, they change the sixth acne treatment into something appropriate for my skin which in this case, an extra session for my scars/pigmentation. So this review is going to focus on that three-session regarding the scars/pigmentation.

The three sessions include a trichloroacetic acid peeling and two derma pen session. The derma pen session uses different solutions which I can't recall exactly what I have used. I think one of them includes salmon DNA something with Centella and the other one is vitamin C, I think. I'm pretty sure it was vitamin C cause I remember precisely associating vitamin C with the stinging pain afterward. Yup, definitely vitamin C.

The TCA session was great. My skin peels for a week and it was super dry but it greatly reduces the pigmentations and my skin tone looks much toned. The old scars are still there but I loved seeing how healthy and glowing it looks. I knew I will take forever to write this so I make a thread on Twitter about this as the peeling go. Please read the thread if you want to understand my TCA peel process better. The short story version is it basically means my skin dries and peeled off and it works.

I did the peel in January and I should have one-month downtime before doing my next dermapen session but then PKPB happens. So it was once the PKPP started, which was months afterward, that I did my dermapen but the result wasn't as pleasant. Bear in mind that I needed to wear a mask all the time at the hospital and plus the stress kinda gets to you. It didn't occur to me at that point that my breakout was coming at me again and the dermapen can't be as successful because the micro-needling kinda causes me acnes. 

It wasn't a full-blown breakout but still. Anyway, both dermapen causes skin purge but the second one kind rose into a mild breakout although initially, it has healed nicely. I think I did something that causes the breakout but I'm sorry I just can't share any good results from the dermapen sessions. 

Needless to say, since the covid is staying for a while, I've decided to restart my Accutane. I'm still searching for an easily accessible clinic near me and lowkey decided I might just take Accutane for the rest of my life.

Now that sounds depressing. Maybe until I decided to get kids. I need to get married first. That sounded like a long time to go.

Narqes Skinttelligent (medispa) Review

Narqes Skinttelligent (medispa) Review

Sep 1, 2025

I want to make a short and concise update but I can't plus there's a major borderline depressing plot twist in the end, so, yeah, there's that.

So sometimes in July, Narqes emailed me asking if I could do a review of their services and I was like "hey, this is the new medispa at Manjung!" 

I don't know what they saw in my blog but I just can't bring myself for payment when they asked me what the price is. I just settled for free treatment. I am just immensely thankful to get the chance to try another medispa for free. If you've read my review of Dr. Ko Skin Specialist and Hannan Medispa, you would notice that my review isn't those commercial-ish ones. I don't get anything from it and I just wanted to share my experience so this is going to be just like that as well.

Anyway, my skin hasn't been well. Let's do some recap. 

I got recurrent breakouts especially around my jaw and chin area mid-MCO which is so hard to heal as I'm wearing a mask all day long. The mask makes it damp and the friction hurts my skin. About a month into it, I focus on hydration and I am able to heal it and new ones only pop out once in a while. When RMCO started I went to Hannan Medispa and did ASA on active acnes so that I can be prepared for my next derma pen session. That derma pen was in early July. I'm still rather conflicted with the derma pen result but that's another review for another time.

About two weeks before going into treatment at Narqes, I notice that my face get more oily than usual and my face was still a bit burned due to our Penang trip. Not only that, I also have these tiny acnes around my lips and it was so alarming because I never had those. 

I was a bit worried to go to Narqes knowing that my skin is just so bad. I was having mini breakout around my jaw and adapalene helps to lessen it but there are still plenty of it. Not to mention, I'm only doing one session so I am not going to see much difference but I went anyway.

Some background information about Narqes Skintelligent (NS). 

The founder of NS is a pharmacist named Narqes Raimi hence the name Narqes. I think she had some cooperation with Hannan Medispa early in her medispa career but then branches out and open her own. Their branches are located mostly in Selangor, two at Kedah and the newest one is here in Manjung, Perak. They also have a branch in Uttara Dhaka, Bangladesh. Apart from medispa treatments, they also have their own line of skincare products and provide antibiotics as well (or at least here in Manjung they gave doxycycline).

I was greeted by their therapist named Sabreena. The doctor in charge of Manjung's branch wasn't available that day. I told her about my current skin concern and my last medispa session (with Hannan Medispa) and was reprimanded when I admitted I didn't wear my sunscreen that day. I am so sorry lol.

I was supposed to get my skin analyzed using their machine called Clreo but that thing throws a tantrum and just won't start so I couldn't do it. It was a bit of a bummer but it was rather okay since I'm not looking for further treatment at the moment so I didn't really need the back-to-back comparisons. But if you do take a package and doing a series of sessions, I would strongly suggest getting your face analyzed before your first session.

It seems like the type of treatments available is almost like Hannan Medispa except that I was told that the way their acids/formulation or something is probably a bit of a different mix. After looking at my skin, the therapist suggested two of NS Signature's treatment which is diamond silk peel and acne peel. 

The treatment process starts per usual with cleansing. Diamond silk peels is a microdermabrasion process done after steaming our face. The treatments generally kinda scrap off but gently, your outer skin layer, and this also cleanses your pores. It wasn't painful at all. It feels like cool watery mild suction and once the process finishes, they show you how much the dirt they pull out. I forgot to take a picture but their Instagram stories shows it which is just like mine was. What's interesting is that they did upper body massage and that includes face massage too. Although they did tell they might omit face massage if the acne breakout was too bad. The massage was good but the face massgae especially was even better!

Afterward was the acne peel where they apply a type of acid on my problem areas which stings a bit but the application was only for a little while before they wipe it off. It was meant to "peel" off the acne and there are purging following it. The peel will only take effect the following day and last for a few days. The treatment continues with LED blue and red light therapy and was finished with some more massage. I love the massage so much.

As the treatment finishes, I was served some tea and biscuit. We further discuss about post treatment care. I only wash my face with water for the first three days. The part where they put the acid dries off big time and my skin starts to be flaky. My skin purges for a week but the acne clears out easily and since my skin was still dry due to the acne peel treatment, the acne simply dries off too. Although I did start to use adapalene on it after the three days finishes.

There are more tiny bumps due to purging and as you can see, my chin and jaw area are the most problematics one so the NS acne peel focuses more at those spots. You can see my skin start to be flaky and start to peel as well. My side jaw was affected too but I don't know why I forgot to take pictures. Since it is skin purging, you can see that tiny acne clears out the next day. 

I have started to go to work back which means mask on 24/7. There are less bumps and by the fifth day, it kinda looks good. Since skin purging means the activation on any going to be acne, I can feel like my chin are cleansed (?) except for the ongoing purge.

It was borderline depressing seeing how bad the purging were and I was excited that by the end of the week, the purge improves a great deal and I love seeing my skin without all the pores sticking out. The microdermabrasion effects glows better when my skin aren't too dry anymore. I only uses sunblock, cetaphil, moisturizer and adapalene during the whole week. 

Not let's get into the plot twist. The very next week, my jaw starts to have more breakout and I was so confused because it was like the purging ones but it didn't go off as easily. I was having doubt that my skin would purge again after the previous one has healed well. One thing to keep in mind is I am wearing a face mask all day long. But it seems like the purging heals quite nice despite wearing a mask all day long. However, this time, it just keeps on worsen like legit no acne in the morning, acne in the afternoon. I was losing my mind. I don't know what causes it as I was only doing the very same thing until it hits me that I use my brother's sunscreen while at home during the weekend as I forgot to bring mine with me. It was ONE TIME. I rarely went out of the house during the weekend but we out for lunch, so I need to put on sunscreen. 

But then does that one thing really did me badly like this? I'm started to think my skin has become another level of fuckedupness. I mean why my skin first of all why was it so oily even with all the moisturizer I've been wearing? I am so tired at this point.

In conclusion, my skin acts again but Narqes did a really good job. But facial treatment can only last depending on how frequent you did it and also your basic skincare routine. I'm yet to find a good routine to suit this Covid-19 situation. I think the bad sleeping pattern and also my poor eating habit has also worsen the condition, so the tricks I used earlier as MCO started isn't enough anymore. So now enjoy the improvement of acne despite the purging but not really completely improved as my skin breaks out again. I'm starting to think that I'll just live with it. At least I am wearing mask 24/7 now.

Anyway SHOUTOUT TO NARQES for giving me free treatment and grab their first trial RM99 promotion for signature treatment before it ends!

January Recap and Nutox's First Impression Review

January Recap and Nutox's First Impression Review

Feb 17, 2025

it was supposed to be "Nutox's review" only but I got heavily sidetracked so if you are here for the review just skip until you saw the product's picture

I am not sure what is wrong with me but writing is so hard to come by. Was I busy? I hardly write anything on weekdays that for sure so let's recap what I did on the weekend

1st week of January - I went back home and we didn't do much but we did go to my father's friend's house for lunch. It was exciting because he is such a good cook and indeed the food was amazing!

2nd week of January - I went to see a friend at KL. It was also because I wanted to eat at Seoul Garden and I even managed to get this poetry book by Zack Shah. I did publish my previous post around this time too and told you guys how it was hard for me to focus.

3rd week of January - I got the whole week off and stayed home to do my peeling treatment at Hannan Medispa. I did, however, work the weekend shift. I knew about a job interview mid-week and had to go to Setia Alam the very next Monday for it. It was such a demanding week which is due to the stress of post peeling care, preparing for the interview, the hectic weekend shift due to COVID-19, the said interview and needing to work 8am to 10pm on the following Tuesday. I was so done for.

4th week of January - It was a three days weekend due to CNY and we went to thing amazing orang asli tourism spot at Lasah which is basically this spread of land with a basic pondok-like house (or you can put on a tent). It was made along this river that is so beautiful. It could be a great holiday except for the fact that we aren't well prepared. My dad was told about the place by his friend and he didn't fully grasp the idea that (1) it was so rural it hardly has any shop and hence access to food and (2) it was far into Felda Lasah like an extra one hour drive kind of far. We went again last week and made the best out of it. I might make a post about it in the future (future sounded so vague isn't it?)

it got three mattresses with blankets and pillows and that was it.

5th week of January / 1st week of February - My housemates were transferring to new places the very next week so it was lunch and dinner plans for one last time with gift shopping and more shifts to work. A friend of mine is marrying in the same week so more gift shopping and a chance to meet with my university friends.

LOL, I was supposed to review some products that I have been using which have been pending for months. I stayed in my rented house last week just so that I have some quiet me-time but ended up going out for lunch and karaoke on Friday and went for some sunset sightseeing and dinner at this ikan bakar place that has been forever in our to-do list on Saturday. Another ad-hoc plan and we went to "research" some community pharmacy as my newly hired friend wanted some ideas on how to do her stock shelving on Sunday. We tag along for the promised bangkok noodle and japanese fluffy pancakes.

Ok, just for some good measure, I'll do the said review. 

I am loving Nutox for the moment and considering using this brand more religiously. However, I have only used these for less than a month so for now, it is a "first impression-ish" review but still, I'm seeing such a promising result. I bought these during Guardian's and Watsons's sale earlier this year but the price stated is the normal price but I made it like in range as to how I usually saw the price.

Do note that I am focusing on moisturizing (in which the said product will usually have these "renewing" properties) and sebum control. Do note that most Nutox products focuses on moisturizing. I have oily skin but is currently well controlled provided I'm using the right skincare. So for me to like a product, it must be well absorbed or else my face will be oilier and it must be hydrating to further prevent excess oil production. I take hydration seriously. Having said these, I can assure you that these products work well for my oily skin. 

1. Nutox Renewing Treatment Essence (upper, left) (almost RM60) - I love this thing but I'm not exactly sure how it is improving my skin since I am only half-way through. It is so moisturizing. The slightly viscous liquid texture easily spread on my skin and made my skin feel supple after wearing it. I did have some acne a few days before and decided to lessen my benzoyl peroxide use and focus on cleansing and hydrating (with Neutrogena Hydroboost moisturizer and this essence) and to my surprise, it works! This essence also made my skin feels plump the next day and there was no oily feel as well. With that, I usually only clean my face during lunchtime to prevent overdoing my cleansing. I got a bit sunburnt during our trip to Lasah but after a week of these, it lessens the darkness well and just gave out a healthy glow.

2. Nutox Milk Cleanser (down, left) (around RM25) - I bought this for my sister and also for easy access to cleanser since I only kept Cetaphil at home. I'm an avid user of Cetaphil but Manjung was hotter and the air was thick with dust so I decided to keep a slightly stronger cleanser (or should I say a mild cleanser?). This milk cleanser is so foamy but wasn't harsh at all. It also doesn't feel soapy (?), it just lathers out lots of foam. It feels supple afterward that I didn't mind using it twice daily. The foamy cleansing experience is also a big bonus for me since I always love foamy cleanser but I have been restricting myself with Cetaphil due to how it always dries out my skin afterward.

3. Nutox Astringent Toner (right side, upper and lower)  (around RM25 to RM30) - I had opted out astringent toner for almost two years now. I always make sure my toner is a hydrating one (usually termed as lotion instead). But since I have oily skin, some measure of oil control is needed which is now by using Hannan Medispa Salicyclic Acid cleanser (mild) and this toner. I uses these two as needed but I think the toner wasn't really necessary. I should just use the cleanser only. This toner wasn't as viscous as Nutox Renewing Treatment Lotion hence it didn't moisturize as much. It doesn't dry out my skin which is amazing for an astringent toner (the product did say it still moisturizes instead of saying dries out oily skin). But since it wasn't as moisturizing as my Kayman's toner, I usually skip it instead. Products feel is so important for my adherence lol. But if you're looking for a simple and light toner, this is it for you but I would strongly suggest to always use a moisturizer afterward. The packaging however is weird. It sprays but it didn't create a fine mist so I sprays it on my hand and then applies it on my face.


I'll  be using Nutox Renewing Treatment Lotion once my Kayman's toner finished. I am not a fan of Kayman. I have been spending and surveying lots for the past few months so finally deciding on Nutox is such a relief.

That's it folks!

Hannan Medispa Review (Part One)

Hannan Medispa Review (Part One)

Nov 12, 2025

This is going to be so long and I needed to also explain my reasons of why I did what I did.

I got a minor breakout that started before Ramadhan but it got worse like a month after Raya. It's not a full-blown out one but the one around my left jaw was so bad. It keeps on coming back again and again. There are a few reasons why the breakout happens but it was mainly because I didn't have a solid skincare routine as I should have since I didn't want to continue my medicine. I should have continued my isotretinoin for like another year but I'm just so tired to go again. The typical course should last for at least six months but the doctor at Klinik Dr. Ko says that I need to take it longer to prevent further breakout. I was surprised she wanted me to take it for that long plus there isn't any regular blood check-up that should have been done when taking isotretinoin. I think she didn't know that I'm a pharmacist. But at that time I'm just so tired already but I do plan on continuing a regular skin care treatments.

This time around, Hanna Medispa was just opened near my home. It was good timing, isn't it? I went there and specifically asked for not to be started on any oral medication. 

Ok, I'm not against medications. I'm a pharmacist for god's sake. I just hated the commitment I need to give in eating my medicine and getting refills and trying to schedule a blood test because Klinik Dr. Ko didn't do one.

Back to Hannan Medispa. 

I went there and asked for acne treatments available and was hoping for the regular deep facial treatment with salicylic acid. I forgot the initial treatment they wanted to suggest to me because I agree with this 6 + 2 package that they have for acne. It cost RM1.6k and I agreed for three reasons.

1. Being acne-prone is a disease and I decided I needed a regular and professionally done skin treatment in order to maintain my skin health. This package offers me eight treatments which will last for several months and I remembers that skin treatments at Klinik Dr Ko costed aroundRM150 to RM300 per session so this is quite a good offer. Plus, as I have said before, I don't want to eat medicine so this is the next choice that I have.
2. I've been meaning to try Hanna Medispa for the longest time since it provides varieties of skin treatments and its founder is an actual medical doctor so I believe the treatment would be scientifically proven. Again, going into eight sessions will give me better experience to give opinions.
3. The packages include their moisturizer, cleanser, serum, and sunscreen. Each costed almost RM100 each. I wanted to try their products as well so this is my chance.

Actually, there is a fourth reason why I chose this but it was more like an added benefit that an actual reason. Unlike Klinik Dr Ko, Hannan Medispa have Janus Facial Analysis System machine. I wanted to have my thoroughly analyze and it cost RM50 per session. However, the price is included in the RM1.6k so I got to see my skin progress at each visit.

Ok, now for the treatments. It will start by meeting their staff (I'm not sure what they are called, probably beauticians?) and they will analyze my skin both hands-on and using the Janus machine. From there on they will decide which solution I would need. The first six treatments which focus on treating my acne will revolve around the use of these "solutions". As I started to use their salicylic acid cleanser my skin gets very dry and so for the second session, they use mandelic acid which is milder. The focus was to dry out the acne and kills it. It was best for me to come every two weeks. I have then used Cetaphil and their salicylic acid as needed in order to maintain my skin to not become too oily but at the same time not to dry. 

oily skin 101 - if your skin becomes too dry, it will produce more oil

I have two more sessions. As my acne cleared by the fifth session, instead of having six-session focusing on acne, they change it for something that my skin will need.

The acne treatments was a simple cleansing and scrubbing (they use the peeling ones instead of the cleanser based scrub), applying the solution (please refer back to my appointment card - SA is salicylic acid, MA is mandelic acid, GP is glutathione peel and I forgot what MP was lol) and when the solution did it magic they will continue cleaning the solutions, apply a sheet mask, LED light face mask, moisturizer and finally a sunscreen. I somehow have a vague memory of some head massage, but it very prompt. 

The first session was such a success, most of my acne clears out but my skin gets very dry since I have started to use the SA cleanser. The staff did ask me to use the cleanser as necessary and to apply moisturizer a few times throughout the day but I didn't really understand the consequences. I thought I was doing enough. About a day or two before my next treatment, I realized that my skin did become so dry. The second session uses mandelic acid, as salicylic acid will be too harsh on my dry skin. Mandelic acid reduces my acne but it doesn't actually clear it like the first one. It keeps one being like that, not clearing the acne totally, even on treatment that I actually uses the salicylic acid solution. Bear in mind that upon doing Janus analysis, my point for oil is still high despite being so dry. 

I continue to use the cleanser diligently but my progress was so slow and in the fourth session the staff wanted me to take a short course of antibiotics and to use topical clindamycin. I notice that my skin was improving as I get the hold on the skin routine with their product but it was slow. I still take the antibiotic but for 10 days instead of two weeks and apply that topical clindamycin (I always forgot though). By the sixth session, my acne was well cleared and I was supposed to do the medium peeling treatment but the TCA solutions finish. Instead, I did derma pen treatment. 

As for my Janus assessment, most of the criteria they analyze improves. These criteria include oil counts, UV spots, pores and other things that I forgot since I usually focus on these three only. I do like this analysis session as they will also explain what I should do more in my skin care routine. There is this one period time where I wore sheet masks rather diligently and the oil count drops a lot. #hydrationisindeedthekey

Since they use a sheet mask that needs like only 20 minutes, the facial treatment session itself usually lasts no longer than an hour. Klinik Dr. Ko uses their mix of these powders which is sort of like a clay mask that needs a longer time. What really struck me is that I can see an even better outcome with only one salicylic treatment with Klinik Dr. Ko than the one Hanna Medispa. Was it the thorough extraction? The soothing mask? It is definitely not the medicine since it will take at least one month to show effects and the cleanser didn't have much salicylic acid as well.

Other obnoxious facts that are a bit turn-off -  

1. If they think I needed some blackhead/whitehead removal procedures, they will suggest it but you need to pay an extra RM10. They use this machine (not that suction one) so it will be solely on blackheads and whiteheads only. During Klinik Dr. Ko sessions, the extraction was done manually and they even "clean" out acne that is suitable for extraction. 
2. I think there are one or two occasions where they didn't put a sheet mask and you needed to pay extra if you want it. I was blown away that I went to facial treatments and there isn't a mask.
3. A short course of antibiotics won't do anything for acne and it was absurd to start it in the middle of my session.
4. Why did they only use a sheet mask????

People keep asking me if Hannan Medispa is good. This is my answer every time - if you have minor skin problems, like dullness, some scars etc, it will do wonders. It is way cheaper too. But for treating an acne-prone skin with breakouts, it will take time and you need to really adhere to the advised skincare routine for it to show actual work. It is also best to seek their doctor right away and ask if you needed to be started on medications.

Their facial treatment for acne is a bit superficial (?) so it takes a longer time to show effect. It also relies heavily on their skincare products instead of the treatments itself which is why I insisted on a doctor's review at the very start. The treatments help but I only gain actual trust after my fourth session (which about two months a half now) and that was when I got a hold on the skincare routine. I was a bit taken aback since I paid a lot. But it still works. There are cases of an even worse case of acne which has been treated wonderfully but that is under their doctor supervision.

Anyway, the breakout has cooled down but the scarring was pretty bad and of course the dullness. When I'm at Klinik Dr. Ko, I also use this Vitamin C powder and this hydrating treatment thingy which did wonders to my skin.  I was hoping the derma pen treatment gave some life into my dull skin but it doesn't. I was considering to buy the Vitamin C powder again but that is another RM150. I hope my next two sessions will be good.

That's it!

Do wait for my part two as it will involve other more aesthetic parts of my treatment.

The Battle of The Toners (one for oily skin)

The Battle of The Toners (one for oily skin)

Jul 11, 2025

It was either this topic or my half-year update on my New Year's Resolution. I choose this topic to write first because I have a few other beauty related topics that I wanted to write but I always put it on hold. It was mostly because I'm always tired and I am somehow always busy on off days. I swear I'm not procrastinating those updates cause everyone knows I suck so bad at my resolutions.

Ok. Since the air conditioner in our hospital has been down for ages, I was wondering if it causes my face to become oilier. My toner and moisturizer are from Aiken. Even though Aiken's were water-based products, I was curious if the tea tree oil content might cause my face to become oilier so I wanted to try new ones. I bought a new toner first and conveniently found this tweet telling about the 7-steps toner. 

I wanted to share the tweet but I'm just too lazy too screenshot it so you guys just have to with your guts and trust me.

It basically means to apply the toner seven times which is a kind of way to moisturize your face as well. Just apply the toner by dabbing it, wait for it to dry and repeat. Since I was loving my new toner, I decided to skip moisturizer and do this. When I knew for sure the new toner works well, I decided to try to mix in other toner and that is how I ended up trying three new toners.

By the way, some disclaimers, my pores aren't that big? I don't know but I never really bothers by it so the toners are merely there as it is a skin routine and since it gives a moisturizing effect as well, it just makes me love it even more. Having said that, I didn't think these toners really makes me feel like "omg my pores are a whole lot better after wearing this"

So here is my say!

Aiken Tea Tree Oil Toner

 

Gotta give it up to Aiken first. Apparently, although my face does become oilier due to all the sweating in a non-air conditioned closed room, it was also because my skin is just an oily type. I should have used back a cleanser for oily skin. I stopped using it because my face got so dry while eating acne medicine. But since I didn't eat it anymore, it was best for me to use appropriate cleanser so that my skin didn't get too oily. Since the air conditioner is back on functioning so well, it is okay for me to use Aiken again. Aiken has that slight stringent effect but mostly refreshingly moisturizing. It is water like to the touch with only a hint of slimy/oily feels. I always love how it makes my face feel refreshed. Since it is also so cheap, it is still a really good choice for toner.

Nutox Renewing Treatment Lotion

 

This is the first toner that I tried after Aiken. I told the salesperson (?) that I wanted something that will be good for acne prone skin and since he saw my old acne scars as well, he suggested this. The texture is slightly slimy than Aiken's but it wasn't oily at all. It gave a better moisturizing effect and made that 7 step toner far more fun. My face feels so hydrated too. But it cost me around RM40 which is triple than Aiken. The price is actually okay if I wore it just once instead of seven times. Hee.

There is this time when I didn't have any spot treatment for that monthly menstrual acne but somehow the inflammation reduces quite noticeably even only by wearing this toner. Although it is good to have a dry face instead of an oily one, hydration is also important for better wound healing so yay Nutox. I'm now using a Hada Labo moisturizer cause seven steps are a tad bit too much for a lazy person like me so I'm going to continue using this toner instead of Aiken. I just feel like I need to cut down any traces of oil altogether.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner

 

I bought a trial sized one from an Instagram shop. I bought it since there are many good reviews about it. The texture is in between Aiken and Nutox, not too watery but not as slimy. However, it didn't give me that refreshing or hydrating effect. I keep on using it together with Nutox but since it didn't give me that satisfying feeling, I just don't feel the urge to wears it anymore and simply settles for Nutox only. It's quite sad cause it is supposed to have all those good stuff for the skin but I don't wear it anymore just because it didn't give me "that feeling". It really be like that sometimes.

Hada Labo Hydrating Lotion

So after my endeavor with Klairs didn't turn up well, I decided to buy Hada Labo's trial set. There is one for dry skin and one for normal/oily skin which cost around RM25. This allows me to try both the toner and the hydrating gel. The hydrating gel feels so good. It doesn't feel oily at all and directly absorbs into in my skin and made it feel so plump. But the toner, however, wasn't. It literally feels like water and I need to use quite a few more drops than usual because it gets absorbed right away. It too wasn't as moisturizing and refreshing as Nutox. I guess it makes sense since the hydrating gel works well. By this time I was convinced to just use Hada Labo as my moisturizer and thus skip that seven-step toner. However, I might change my mind and use both Hada Labo's and Nutox's toner since Hada Labo ones got all those hyaluronic acid and stuff.



That's it!

I wanted to tell how the texture is because having an oily skin makes me really particular on the products feel. I couldn't get a hand on Nutox's moisturizer to test on my skin so that's why I didn't try that one first. In conclusion, these all are a good choice for oily skin. Even though Aiken's has tea tree oil, you can hardly feel it so it really is okay. Actually, I probably a tad bit too in love with Nutox.

Dr Ko Skin Specialist Review (frustrating) - UPDATED

Dr Ko Skin Specialist Review (frustrating) - UPDATED

Nov 26, 2025

(update - found the pictures so this version is going to be more detailed)

me when i know how long this post is going to take. i'm literally having a mask on my face.

JUST FYI. 

I put frustrating because I want it to be sort of like a clickbait but alas, I feel guilty, so I'm explaining the "clickbait" in the very first paragraph. However, since I have now found those said picture - here is my before picture. It turns out that my acne is far worse than the picture I originally thought going to present best as an example. Oh well.

what i thought i was

this is taken directly before i did my first extraction

If you read my post about Aiken (look at my sidebar, it is literally the only post that is popular in this blog), you will see that I have an acne prone skin. If it was mild, Aiken and a really well-disciplined skin care are enough. But if I have a bad breakout (usually during stressful times) it is just so so bad. The last time it does is during my final year. At that time, a lecturer of mine had offered to give me a referral letter and got me the treatment I needed (yay pharmacy school). I managed to get medicines from PPUKM but due to money and times issues, I didn't complete the treatment (still regretting it till this day). 

What happened is that, even though my acne got resolved, I still didn't complete the treatment. This means that there is a high possibility for recurrence. But I thought, I'm not studying anymore = no awful stress = no breakout. Oh boi, how wrong was I.

PRP is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy stressful and the breakout happens in a jiffy. 

Seeing that now I have the money and a bit of time, I decided to get back into treatment and I choose to go to Dr Ko Skin Specialist Clinic. Yes, Dr Ko is expensive, but it is the closest and most easily accessible for me. But most importantly it works.

In light cases of acne, doctors will suggest good skin care. If you went into skin specialist, they will have the kind of skin care they want you to use. In my case, Dr. Ko has their own line of skin care products. But these are from an actual dermatologist - so mind you that it will cost a lot. Mine cost almost a hundred per bottle (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc). If you have few more acne of the more bad ones, a topical spot acne treatment will be given, like benzoyl peroxide cream or isotretinoin cream. If it is even worse, an antibiotic is needed. Step up the worseness a bit, you will be given isotretinoin capsules. Some may need hormone drugs though I'm not sure how you are qualified for one. However, this is a very general description, it is better for actual doctors to check your acne especially if it is a really bad breakout. But in my case, I have all of the above.

That's how bad it was. 

Or probably Dr. Ko been giving the same treatment to everyone. That's the thing about private clinics. 

We will never know.

I went to them, talked about my problem and how I used to be on isotretinoin. It was decided that I take both isotretinoin and antibiotic. Attention girls! Both medicines have a negative effect on babies, and I think you have to stop the medicine for at least 6 months before planning on having a baby. I'm not sure about guys though.

i take that basic acne package

Here's the funny thing, like most private clinics, they didn't label the medicine. It is actually illegal that your medicine isn't labeled as detail as it should be (the names and strength at least). Now that you know, always ask them to write the name of the medicine. Learn more about what you put into your body!

I've known that the soft capsules ones that I got are isotretinoin but I wasn't sure what the antibiotic was. Weirdly because it is in tablet form. Usually, the kind of antibiotic given is doxycycline and it is in hard capsules. I think at some point, I learned what the antibiotic was, but since I didn't actually wrote it down -

WE WILL NEVER KNOW.

I only need the antibiotic for two months and continue months after that with isotretinoin. I am still on isotretinoin actually. The dermatologist there said that I need to eat isotretinoin for a year 

For my first day, I went for a consultation with the dermatologist (of course it wasn't Dr. Ko) and bought myself this package.

If you take only the medicine (if you got treatments from a government hospital, we only gave the medicine, get your own skin care products), it will take longer for your acne to resolve. But in my case, I used all the products and went for their extraction. My acne greatly reduced in 2 months that even the staff at Dr. Ko was amazed. I was then able to use the Vitamin C powder (since my skin does not have much acne at the time) and it works so good to lighten the scars and overall makes my skin simply looks healthier. 

Did I tell how satisfying the extractions are? I hated doing extractions because I know it will helps a lot but the facial spa I've been isn't as hygienic as I need them to be. It only causes more acne thus I stop going to one. Since I have sensitive skin, a swap with alcohol swab only won't do. The staff in Dr. Ko not only have a good extraction technique, the process was meticulous and just so hygienic too. Not to mention, the use of that salicylic acid plus the mask afterward really works wonder on my skin thus the effects of extractions were greatly reduced. 

It was so painful though since I have lots of cyst but that staff that did my face, you are officially my MVP!

Let's talk about their skincare products that I used. 

First, we have the cleanser and the moisturizer. Since you will have a bad dry skin (the effects of isotretinoin), a moisturizer is a must. Next, we have two producr that aims especially for acne. First is the spot treatment plus an essence/serum. A sunscreen and next is like I have said before, when the acne resolved, I also used their Vitamin C powder. Of course, the antibiotic is twice daily and the isotretinoin once daily. Both will cause you around RM300 per month but once you stop needing the antibiotic, it will cost around half.

Isotretinoin has drying effect (that how it works, it dries out the oil and generally the skin so the acne doesn't have a good viable condition to thrive) so it is better to take before sleep instead of living the day feeling annoyed at how dry your lips are. Since I know I will have a dry chapped lips, I get myself Nivea Lip Care Butter. Lip balm won't be enough and I always love Nivea product. It works so well too and the packaging was too cute lol. There isn't much problems with antibiotics but long terms used might cause diarrhea which is just awful.

the order of wearing it is from top to bottom. allows to dry before applying the next product.

That bottle is the (1) cleanser. The box at the left is the packaging. The box at the right is the (2) moisturizer. Feel free to study the ingredients and you'll know why it is damn expensive. Totally loving these. The cleanser is so light but still foamy and I have strong reason to believe it works to treat my acne so I repurchase another bottle when it finishes. It was the only one I continue to use since I know Aiken works on me (plus Aiken's cleanser is too harsh for me while I don't like how Cetaphil does not have foams). I don't want to be spending hundreds more money on skin care. The moistuzer is also a wonder but I must say it works like how Aiken moisturizer works on me so I just use Aiken ones now.

The left one (3) spot treatments in gel form. Meaning to treat the acne by spotting it on acne. The right one is (4) a face essence but caters those with acne problem. These are also very important in treating my acne. But since my acne resolved quite fast, I still have the cream. It works so well and fasts. If I even have the slightest bit of acne, I dab that cream and it will resolve in two days tops! The middle one is a (5) sunscreen. Sunscreen is important but to spend such fortune for one feels so wrong. Although mine come with the package though.

The (6) toner is in mist form and that small bottle is the (7) Vitamin C powder. I bought the powder separately, it wasn't included in the package. Cost me almost a hundred for that small bottle but it lasts about a month and gave impressive result so I don't mind it the slightest bit.

I think the Vitamin C powder works so well due to how it was formulated which gives it the ability to really be absorbed deep into the skin. I'm sorry the picture is a bit blurred. Oh yeah, you need to mix the powder with the moisturizer and then apply it onto your skin.

 Pro tips - Dr Ko hardly does sale. That's how good they are. But on your birthday, you can get crazy discount. I bought my second cleanser at half price and they have book one free one facial treament.

expensive AF but it works amazingly so it is a money well spent. though i seriously thinks there are plenty of good products that work just as good but not as expensive.

Two months after. Lots of dark spots. Most acne has been cleared. By this time, I have finished the three extraction session. It was done every two weeks. I just started to use the Vitamin C powder. I am also still using all the skincare products.

Almost a month after using the Vitamin C powder. As you can skin, my skins brighten quite noticeably. The darks spot seems healing as it turn pinks. Some staffs start to mentions how my skin looks so much better.

well excuse my big nostrils and I don't even understand why I have this picture but this is during eid. about four months after starting treamtent. THIS IS WHAT I CALL A GLOW UP.

and we are closing this with my latest selfie. barefaced but with MaryKay sunscreen. We'll talk about that later.

Remember, the fact that Dr. Ko really works well is due to the medicine (there are plenty of clinics that can provide the medicines) and their amazing products (but there are good products that work well and cost less or you can try other products from other skin clinics/medispa). But Dr. Ko is a well-established brand in Malaysia thus it is easily understandable why it is a popular choice.

I still have those deep scars but not really that deep but still deep which can only be treated with laser treatment. I was thinking to do laser treatment as well but I think I'm satisfied with my current skin. I think the idea of a complete flawlessness is not Afifah so nahh. I might change my mind though. I only use the cleanser nowadays. Plus, I still ate the medicine. I'll share my new skin care in the future and the condition of my skin before, during and after the horrible acne.

Roll On: Treating My Acne With Aiken Pimple Cream and Aiken Tea Tree Oil

Roll On: Treating My Acne With Aiken Pimple Cream and Aiken Tea Tree Oil

Jul 28, 2025

I have been preaching Aiken so hard.

I have told you guys about how Aiken helps since I have a sensitive skin (HERE) and how awesome their moisturiser is (HERE) - but I save the best for the last. Their amazing products which help greatly to reduce and even heal my acne.

but I won't lie how it still makes me super conscious at times.

Roll On: Aiken Moisturizer and why it is good for acne.

Roll On: Aiken Moisturizer and why it is good for acne.

Nov 24, 2025

No, i'm not going to do in depth study about beauty stuff. I'm just sharing what I know now.

So, let's do this!

Aiken Moisturizer.

Bear in mind that I am the worst skincare person you want to really rely on experiences but fret not! Since we have learned thoroughly about skincare (during my degree in pharmacy) especially in this case, acne, my opinions here is of good value. Well, you know what, why don't you tell me?

As I say before HERE Aiken product is one of the cheap and natural product used for acne skin problem. You should check that link first to understand why I choose it. I didn't mention it earlier but I do like Aiken since it uses natural ingredient though it really does not mean any different.

Aiken main anti acne action, as I mention before, rely on the tea tree oil components. All Aiken product will have this compound and thus all product, for example the moisturizer, even initially just meant to moisturize has rev up to actually has some effect on acne also. Cool huh.

But, do you need it?

Living with others girls throughout my years in pharmacy and looking into tonnes of beauty blogger skincare routine I have a solid rule to do what works the best for you and screw everyone. Most of the girls there don't even care about other skin product except for face wash (do remember that we sweat a lot since this is Malaysia) while these beauty gurus need at least half hour per session (morning routine, night routine etc) to apply their beauty product. But it all worked. Minor differences but it all worked. 

There are a lot of factors to that. Just try to figure out what suit you and don't be pressure to get EVERYTHING.

There is really only one rule if you in dire need for moisturizer; if you have dry skin.

so, there is no white wall in my house.

As I say before, I do have dry skin. Not only that, since I tend to use tea tree oil on living pimples, it tends to dry the skin. With that, I wear this but not religiously since I always forget. I usually remember to wear it after I cleanse my face since it will get so dry. I also wear it before putting on foundation because the foundation worked better that way. 

How does it feel?

It really is a great touch. Since it is water base and really really light, it kind of soaked into your skin and makes it feel supple and hydrated. You know, like those "hada labo" commercial but the effect of like so healthy skin does not last forever. The skin is still hydrated but the glow would not show as much. Or maybe because I have dark skin. 

It has faint fragrance which is really soothing actually.

The cream is sort of translucent

I'm not sure if moisturizing skin itself is needed if you got acne but skin heals faster in moist surrounding so there is that. Although it felt like it soaked up into you skin, it does not really all soaked up. I can feel the slick-ish texture when I wash my face even after several hours.

Actual hada labo people

But oily skin need moisturizer as well. By providing enough hydration we like tell the brain that "the skin is not so dry now so maybe you can cut off the oil sebum ey mate". In long term it will reduces the oil secretion thus lessen the chances for acne. Though it is really some theory. I think it would be better to religiously clean the oil by wiping it and wash your face regularly with water. At least that is what all this kakak is telling me. I think we can settle in between by only wearing the moisturizer when you're going to sleep and keep on washing your face with water. Wiping the oil is important since when you always got oil on your face, more dirt can be trapped and that will lead to more acne.

Open the picture in new tab to see the ingredients

Btw, if you want to know other opinions I have regarding Aiken, just click the tag Aiken. I only have three posts so far.

toodles~